When it comes to correcting misaligned teeth, braces are one of the most sought-after treatments. Naturally, one of the first questions patients want to know during their initial research is, “How much does it cost?” Since everyone’s smile is unique, however, there isn’t a flat fee. As a result, the only way to find out the exact cost of orthodontic treatment is to schedule an appointment with your orthodontist. With that being said, there are a few factors that will play a role in the answer across the board. Keep reading to learn what they are!
#1. Complexity of Care
As you can imagine, the severity of the orthodontic issue at hand will be one of the first factors your orthodontist considers. After all, some slight spacing issues will take less time to correct than several severely rotated teeth. Furthermore, the misalignment or bite problem will determine which type of braces are best, like traditional metal ones vs. Invisalign. Not to mention that different accessories, like rubber bands, may be necessary as well. In short, priority number one in determining the cost is solidifying the details of your treatment plan.
#2. How Well You Follow Your Orthodontist’s Instructions
Another factor that impacts the cost of braces is one that patients often don’t consider: compliance. Whether you get traditional braces or Invisalign, it’s imperative that you follow your orthodontist’s instructions. Measures like avoiding crunchy foods or meeting your 22 hour-a-day wear time may seem small but neglecting them can cause you to fall off-track with your treatment plan, which requires you to spend more time and money.
#3. Your Dental Insurance Plan
Some dental insurance plans include much more than essential preventive care – yours may be one of them! If you have a once-in-a-lifetime provision for orthodontic treatment that you haven’t yet used, then you may be able to lower your out-of-pocket expenses significantly. So, if you aren’t familiar with your benefits, don’t hesitate to ask your provider or check with your dental team.
#4. If Flexible Financing and Special Offers Are Available
Dental insurance is one of the many ways you can make your orthodontic treatment more affordable. The other options will depend entirely on the practice. For example, some welcome flexible financing, which allows you to space-out your payments over the course of several months or years. Others extend periodic special offers that lower the upfront cost.
Being curious about the cost is natural. Instead of searching the web for hours trying to find the answer, try the easier way: scheduling an appointment with an orthodontist.
About the Practice
At Simply Orthodontics, we don’t want cost to be what stands in your way of transforming your smile. That’s why our phenomenal team of smile enthusiasts loves welcoming patients in for consultations to discuss their treatment options and the associated cost. During this visit, we can also review the financial information, like dental insurance benefits and special offers, which will help reduce your out-of-pocket expenses. If you have any questions about the cost of orthodontic treatment or want to schedule an appointment, don’t hesitate to get in touch with our team via our website or by phone at (508) 281-5188.